Page 30 - Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders

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GREAT COMMUNICATION SECRETS OF GREAT LEADERS
TRANSFORMATION
The challenges in the market dictate that we do things differently—inter-
nally in the way we operate and externally in the way we serve our cus-
tomers. The changes we are calling for will not be easy, but they will be
necessary. Yet we must learn to embrace change. Instead of viewing
change as something to be feared, we must leverage its power and capi-
talize on the new opportunities it will bring us.
CALLS TO ACTION
The days ahead will call for critical thinking and timely action. We need
all of us to pull together as a team. I am asking each of you for your sup-
port as we go forward together in our quest to create a better future for us
and for future generations.
EXPECTATION
I view my leadership role as one of supporting our team. I expect every-
one on our team to support our collective objectives and work coopera-
tively with one another. I expect people on our team to think and
problem-solve for themselves. When you encounter obstacles that you
cannot resolve, I expect you to bring them to my attention. If you
stonewall and hide problems, you will be asked to leave the project.
COACHING
Your enthusiasm for this job is admirable. I would like to make a few sug-
gestions for ways in which you might improve your performance.

RECOGNITION
You have done an outstanding job on this project. I want you to know how
important your contributions are to our team. Bravo. Well done!

You can probably think of many more examples yourself. These are just
for starters. The importance of leadership communications is the seminal role
it plays in enabling the leader to succeed.

ENABLING LISTENING
Communications, as Peter Drucker has written, is less about information than
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it is about facilitating kinship within the culture. Employees must feel that
they have a stake in the organization and its outcome. The ownership stake is
initiated, nurtured, augmented, tested, and fulfilled through leadership com-
munications. It is absolutely critical for the leader to facilitate two-way com-
munications, specifically allowing feedback in the form of ideas, suggestions,